Introduction
The article “Fungal Lung Disease” by Koltsida and Zaoutis (2021) covers the presentation, diagnosis techniques, and available treatments for several fungal lung diseases, such as histoplasmosis. The researchers assume that pulmonary mycoses are the least prevalent in immunocompetent children, while the most common diseases are endemic mycoses and Aspergillomas. At the same time, for patients with impaired immune systems, fungal respiratory infections cause a severe problem because of their increased severity. For this reason, the article delves into the theme and reviews the most prevalent fungi species and their presentation in different types of patients, including those with impaired immune systems.
Pathogen Information
Histoplasmosis
Two lower respiratory system fungal diseases and the agents causing them are discussed. The first is histoplasmosis, whose causative agent is Histoplasma capsulatum. It has a round or ovoid shape with a uniform appearance and small size (Bauman, 2015). The pathogen can be found mainly in the cytoplasm of peripheral blood monocytes (Bauman, 2015). Thus, itraconazole may be effective for minor infections, but amphotericin B is advised for severe cases (Koltsida & Zaoutis, 2021). The agent resides in the phagosome of host phagocytic cells and requires metal ions for growth (Bauman, 2015). In most cases, the infection develops when the fungus is inhaled by a person (Bauman, 2015). It moves through the respiratory system and reaches the alveoli, where the pathogen develops (Koltsida & Zaoutis, 2021).
The fungus covers its glucans with non-stimulatory layers to hide from the immune system (Koltsida & Zaoutis, 2021). Acute fever, coughing, persistent lung problems, or widespread illness are some symptoms of the disease. It means that it affects the respiratory system and leads to the development of histoplasmosis. Finding yeast in tissue samples or isolating mold in clinical samples are steps in the diagnosis process. Thus, correctly diagnosing and treating the condition is critical for the nursing field, as there is a high risk of epidemy and critical deterioration of the situation in the region.
Pneumocystis Pneumonia
The second fungal disease for this task is the Pneumocystis Pneumonia (PCP). Pneumocystis jirovecii, a fungus that was subsequently identified as the causative agent of PCP, was first thought to be a protozoan and is responsible for asymptomatic upper respiratory infections (Koltsida & Zaoutis, 2021). The cysts have thick and rounded walls and are of a small size (Bauman, 2015). The pathogen is susceptible to antibiotics such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, usually employed as the primary treatment (Nasr et al., 2022). The typical pathogen’s habitat is the mammalian lung, as it requires substances found there to grow (Otieno-Odhiambo et al., 2019). The research shows that the cyst spreads through the air, meaning that breathing is the main mode of invasion (Bauman, 2015).
Similar to Histoplasma capsulatum, Pneumocystis jirovecii hides from the immune system by masking its β-1,3 glucan, which is usually the main inflammatory factor (Otieno-Odhiambo et al., 2019). Interacting with the host causes inflammation in the lungs, the development of PCP, and escalating respiratory symptoms (Koltsida & Zaoutis, 2021). In such a way, the pathogen most affects the respiratory system. Diagnosing the diseases requires an early bronchoscopy and radiography (Koltsida & Zaoutis, 2021). Intravenous trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) is the recommended antibiotic agent for treatment; pentamidine is administered to patients who do not respond well or who have low tolerance (Koltsida& Zaoutis, 2021). At the same time, some alternative treatments and next-generation antibiotics can be used in complex cases.
Conclusion
In such a way, both Histoplasma capsulatum and Pneumocystis jirovecii are pathogens that might lead to numerous complications and lung diseases in people, especially in patients with weak immune systems. For this reason, understanding the mechanism of how the pathogens work, invade the body, and evolve is essential for the healthcare sector. It contributes to the choice of practical and adequate diagnostic measures and treatment. The mode of transition through air increases the importance of timely response, meaning that nurses should manage the condition to avoid the development of epidemics and critical deterioration in the quality of people’s lives.
References
Bauman, R. (2015). Microbiology with diseases by body system (4th ed.) Pearson.
Koltsida, G., & Zaoutis, T. (2021). Fungal lung disease. Paediatric Respiratory Reviews, 37, 99-104. Web.
Nasr, M., Mohammad, A., Hor, M., Baradeiya, A. M., & Qasim, H. (2022). Exploring the differences in pneumocystis pneumonia infection between HIV and non-HIV patients. Cureus, 14(8), e27727. Web.
Otieno-Odhiambo, P., Wasserman, S., & Hoving, J. C. (2019). The contribution of host cells to pneumocystis immunity: An update. Pathogens, 8(2), 52. Web.